By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces arrested about 540 gunmen in Diyala governorate within operation (Bashaer Al-Kair), said a statement.
Media spokesman for the Defense Ministry Major General Mohammad Al-Askari said on Saturday that amongst the 540 gunmen were 42 top Qaeda terrorist network leaders, adding weapons were confiscated during the operation.
Meanwhile, Rafe Al-Issawi, undersecretary for Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, visited Diyala on Saturday to follow up on reconstruction efforts there. The government has allocated USD 100 million to help reconstruction efforts there.
On other developments, a tip from a concerned local citizen led the Multi-National Force (MNF) soldiers to a potential vehicle-borne improvised-explosive device before it could detonate in the Adhamiyah district Aug.8.
“Thanks to a concerned citizen who provided the information on a potential VBIED, it was able to be secured without loss or injury to any civilians,” said Maj. Byron Sarchet, information operations officer and a spokesperson for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division -Baghdad.
An explosive ordnance disposal team responded and conducted a controlled detonation on the vehicle.
Within minutes of the initial detonation, there was a large, secondary explosion that resulted in damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. There were no injuries in either explosion.
MNF soldiers will be handing out claims cards to residents whose property was damaged in the explosions.